Easy Walking in Italy and Slovenia

Food, Wine, and Walking...in an Undiscovered Land

8-Day Trip

Overview

The Friuli region of northeastern Italy is one if its most beautiful regions, and one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Just across the border, neighboring Slovenia is an unknown gem with stunning mountains, picturesque valleys, incredible food and wine…and very few tourists! Both regions have their own heritage of food, wine, and history that are unique in all of Europe.

We’ll start at the lovely city of Belluno, using it as our base to explore. Perfectly situated in the southern Dolomites, Belluno’s Renaissance architecture is overshadowed by the by the dramatic mountain landscape surrounding it. It sits in a wonderland of green valleys, tumbling rivers and impressive peaks. Then we’ll move east into Slovenia, and begin to appreciate the wonderful Slovenian culture, scenery and people. From the vineyards of the Wine Road to the stately buildings of the capital, Ljubljana, from the lonely, windswept mountain villages to the take-your-breath-away scenery of Lake Bled, you’ll be enchanted by this delightful country.

Like all Go Get Lost adventures, we’ll be walking the trails, (all of them EASY) visiting the villages, sampling the wine, meeting the locals, enjoying the food, marveling at the incredible views, and slowly easing into the pace of life in these two wonderful areas!

Tour Dates & Pricing

Photo Gallery

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Belluno

Our Italian adventure starts today in Belluno, our home base for the first part of our adventure. Located in the Italian Regione of the Veneto, Belluno is a picturesque town on the southern edge of the Italian Alps.

You should plan to arrive in Belluno by midday at the latest. Tonight we'll have our orientation meeting, (of course with local wines), and afterwards we'll walk to one of our favorite spots for our welcome dinner. There is an amazing variety of food in this region, probably owing to the amazing variety of landscapes to be found! From alpine mountains and valleys to fertile plains, from lush vineyards producing legendary wines to the Adriatic coast with its infinite variety of seafood, the Veneto region is rich in culinary abundance! So while we're exploring the countryside, villages and towns, we'll be sure to explore the wonderful cuisine as well. And as there's no point in waiting, we'll start tonight at our orientation dinner with an excellent meal of local dishes! An after-dinner passegiata in the town piazza will cap off your first day in the far north of Italia.

Day 2 - Valley di San Pellegrino

This morning we'll meet our local guide and have a fascinating walk in the mountains to the Rifugio Fuciade. The landscape changes dramatically here as we walk through an alpine forest to beautiful green pastures surrounded by the Dolomites craggy peaks. Here we'll enjoy a light meal before continuing on the trail to marvel at the spectacular mountain vistas.

This afternoon will find us at the 200 year old kitchen of La Stanga farm, where we'll see what the chef is preparing today and taste the specialty of the day. And of course we'll taste their excellent wines, cheeses and salami as well!

Day 3 - Le Zercole

Today we'll walk through the pastures and into the mountains and you'll get to meet a local herbologist and have a tour of her incredible mountain herb and flower gardens. Afterwards you'll enjoy a unique lunch prepared with her own produce. Later we'll have an easy walk to La Latteria, a dairy farm that's been in operation for generations. Here we'll see how cheese is made, still using techniques handed down through the centuries. Of course we have a chance to enjoy the cheeses, washed down with an abundance of their local vintages!

Day 4 - Slovenia's Wine Country

This morning we'll journey eastwards across the rolling hills of Italy's Friuli region, crossing the border into western Slovenia. Almost immediately you'll find yourself in the picturesque Slovenian wine country, with more vineyards than almost any other European wine region. We'll enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the typical family-run vineyards that dot the rolling hills of the area, where they will proudly introduce you to their Slovenian wines. This afternoon we'll make our way deeper into Slovenia, eventually arriving at the capital of Ljubljana, our home for the next two days. Ljubljana, one of the most interesting cities of Europe, has a rich history of many different conquerors. Orginally settled around 2000 BC, the town was occupied by tribesman, then Romans, then Huns, then Lombards, then Franks, and finally the Slovenes. Each civilization left their mark on the city and their contribution to the culture. Tonight your guide will take you to one of Slovenia's top-rated restaurants for a memorable meal of Slovenian specialties.

Day 5 - Ljubljana

After breakfast we'll meet our local guide for a fascinating walking tour of the city to explore the fabulous food and wine heritage of Ljubljana as you stroll its lively streets. With frequent stops into bars and restaurants only the locals know, your guide will introduce you to the wonderful culinary specialties of Ljubljana, washed down with excellent but unknown locally produced wines. This afternoon you'll have plenty of free time to shop and get lost on your own in Ljubljana. Tonight your guide will take you to one of his favorite local restaurants, known for their expertise at Slovenian dishes.

Day 6 - Velika Planina and Zgornje Palovce

Today we explore an intriguing but little-known area of Slovenia. Using ski lifts, our Slovenian guide will take us to the Velika Planina, a picturesque high plateau with views that will astound you. Here we'll find a shepherds village, where you can observe daily life as it has been for hundreds of years. Later we'll have an easy downhill walk through forest and meadows to the small village of Zgornje Palovce. Tonight we will check into our Slovenian hotel in the small village of Radovljica and explore the town.

Day 7 - Lakes Bohinj and Bled

Our private coach will take us on a short, scenic drive today to reach Lake Bohinj. This little-known lake is overshadowed by the more-famous Lake Bled, but Slovenians know that Bohinj is unmatched as one of the most picturesque and romantic lake in all of Europe. Of course the best way to enjoy the views of Bohinj is to walk around it, and then sit down to a picnic lunch...with a view! Tonight we have a very special farewell dinner planned at a charming spot overlooking Lake Bled.

Day 8 - Arrivederci Italia!

After breakfast, your Go Get Lost tour comes to a close. You will have a private group transfer to the airport in Ljubljana. Please check with the Go Get Lost office before booking any departure flights.

Transportation once the tour has begun. The motorcoaches and vans we use are modern, air conditioned and roomy. Our tour groups are usually between 8-18 people so we always have plenty of room to get comfortable.

All train, ferry, hydrofoil, coach, and taxi transfers as specified in itinerary.

Group departure transfer from the hotel in Radovjlica to the airport in Ljubljana.

Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in itinerary

Completely escorted by a Go Get Lost Tour Leader with local guides at specified sites throughout the itinerary

All gratuities for group meals, coach drivers, and daily local guides...except for your primary local guide.

Go Get Lost trail-friendly wine glass

What´s not Included

Airfare package

Departure taxes

Arrival and departure transfers, tour begins at the hotel in Belluno on the afternoon of Day 1, and the tour ends at the airport in Ljubljana on the morning of day 8.